Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 40th anniversary of the CBYX program.

This unique program has had more than 26,000 American and German participants contributing to the cultural and political exchange among the citizens of our countries, tying us ever closer together.

As co-chair of the German-American Caucus, my office is proud to host Pau Drexler. He is 23 years old and hails from the southwestern part of Germany.

On August 9 of last year, Pau and 74 other young professionals from Germany landed in Washington, D.C., to start an exchange year as part of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange. As the word ``exchange'' implies, 75 young Americans landed during that same time in Frankfurt, Germany.

As part of the program, participants aged between 18 and 25 are placed from Alaska to Texas and New York City to Los Angeles. This diversity is reflected in the great variety of jobs that they are trained in. Whether bakers, mechanics, or tailors, the CBYX program is an ideal occasion to exchange knowledge, skills, and experience on a professional level, but there are personal connections that emerge from the participants' immersion into daily life of their host communities, as well.

Many of Pau's fellows have already formed great bonds with their host families and classmates. Consequently, Clara, a participant of the 35th CBYX cohort who also interned on the Hill, visited her initial and Pau's current host family last weekend in D.C.

The CBYX program is jointly funded by the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag. It is an extraordinary chance for young minds to learn about different perspectives and create a better understanding of these in their host and their home communities.

Mr. Speaker, as the chairman of the German-American Caucus, I want to emphasize the importance of this program as it strengthens the bonds between our countries not only on a governmental but also on a civic level.

The CBYX is an unprecedented exchange program and a great example of how cultural and political exchange amongst citizens can positively impact international relations in a different, more grassroots, and hands-on way. Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail Club

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail Club for winning Pennsylvania Trail of the Year.

This section of the Knox and Kane Rail Trail in McKean County is a 7.8-mile-long trail. The former rail line now provides a level trail for walking, jogging, biking, and horseback riding. In winter months cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are also popular.

The Knox and Kane Rail Trail spans four counties in Northern Pennsylvania and is a source of outdoor fun for the whole family, whether you are local or, quite frankly, a visitor passing through.

The Pennsylvania Trail of the Year Award is given by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to help build enthusiasm and support for trails across the State and to raise public awareness about the value of Pennsylvania's land and water trail network.

Mr. Speaker, Pennsylvania continues its tradition of being a leader in trail development by providing its citizens and visitors with more than 12,000 miles of trails.

Congratulations to the Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail Club for this tremendous accomplishment.

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